Snackwerks expansion, community development projects to improve access to public spaces bring jobs, create vibrant communities in Michigan

Baked goods manufacturer Snackwerks bringing production of 40 million cookies annually to Battle Creek, creating 38 jobs • Community development projects will bring new vibrancy to Hart, Laingsburg, Three Rivers • Projects attract $3.9M in investment

LANSING, Mich. – Projects that will support economic opportunity and growth in communities of all sizes around the state have gained approval from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. In total, the projects are expected to generate nearly $4 million in total investment and create 38 jobs in Michigan.

“Today’s projects emphasize MEDC’s continued commitment to empowering and bringing economic opportunities to all regions of our state,” said Jeff Mason, CEO of MEDC, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF. “The fact that Snackwerks has chosen to expand in Battle Creek further reinforces the city’s nickname of Cereal City and brings good jobs to area residents. We’re pleased to work with MDARD and our local partners to support the growth of this Michigan food processing company.”

Snackwerks of Michigan, LLC, formed in 2016, produces shelf stable bakery food products for branded food companies and provides supply chain production at a scale that matches emerging and mid-tier brand volume requirements. The company is led by a former executive of a food manufacturer who saw a growth from $25 million to $750 million in sales over nine years. Currently, Snackwerks of Michigan produces for a wide variety of customers, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to new companies launching their first products.

As a result of current and future growth, the company plans to expand its existing facility in the city of Battle Creek. The company has been approached by a French-based producer to enter into a multi-year contract to produce its cookies for the U.S. market. The producer currently imports 40 million cookies into the U.S. annually which will now be locally manufactured at the Battle Creek facility. The new production line needed for manufacturing growth will be located at the current facility and will increase revenue by about 40 percent in the first year.

The expansion will involve the creation of 38 new jobs and a total private investment of up to $3.7 million in Battle Creek, resulting in a $212,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant.

“We are excited about the potential for this new business opportunity to drive food business growth and innovation here in Michigan, and grateful for the support from organizations such as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their support,” said Jeff Grogg, president of Snackwerks of Michigan.

In addition to MSF support, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provided a Food and Agriculture Investment Fund award in the amount of $150,000. Battle Creek Unlimited has also offered a $38,000 job creation grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Paris, Illinois and California. For more information on careers with Snackwerks of Michigan, LLC, visit here.

“This is a tremendous opportunity not only for Snackwerks and Battle Creek, but also for farmers and suppliers all over Michigan,” said Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “We couldn’t be more excited to support a great project like this. The resources, innovation and talent we have in our great state continue to attract food and ag companies from around the country and around the world—and we have room for many more.”

The city of Hart has been awarded $358,461 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the Hart Pocket Park project in downtown Hart. The project will redevelop a vacant, underutilized space in the heart of downtown into a pocket park that will provide an ADA accessible outdoor recreational space that can be used for community programming such as musical performances, library story hours, yoga, and other activities, as well as for residents and visitors to relax and visit. The residents of Hart were engaged in the project by working together on forming the design planning period. The city plans to contribute $39,829 in support of the project.

The city of Laingsburg has received $466,574 in CDBG funds for improvements needed for the McClintock Park Amphitheater project in downtown Laingsburg. McClintock Park is an asset to the community offering a number of amenities such as pavilions with picnic tables, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and more, but there is not currently a structure that would allow for outdoor entertainment. The project includes the construction of an amphitheater in the park and will bring other improvements including a gazebo and seating area, new parking, ADA walkways, landscaping, and lighting, and will increase vibrancy, walkability, and activity in the downtown. The city of Laingsburg is expected to contribute $54,862 to the project.

The city of Three Rivers has been awarded $120,000 in CDBG funds for the 40 N. Main rental rehabilitation project in downtown Three Rivers. The project will add two new apartment units to benefit persons of low and moderate income at the currently vacant, garden level space in a historic building in the heart of the downtown. The project is expected to generate private investment of $131,100 and will enhance the vibrancy of the downtown district. The city of Three Rivers has offered expedited permitting in support of the project.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.